EP1008962A2 - Apparatus for entering and displaying user information on a display - Google Patents

Abstract

The user panel has an input field (I) that is subdivided into a number of sectors (I-1 to I-4). The first sector has a number of soft keys (S1-S5) that allow a number of basic menus to be selected. The second section allows sub menus to be called and the third is used for display activation. Numerical values are entered using the fourth one. A home key is provided for return to show the franking data on the display panel (O).

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for entering and displaying User information on a display, according to the generic term of Claim 1. The solution aims to input and output via a User interface and is designed for Franking machines or similar processing modules for service data suitable.

User interfaces with input means and with a display of Screen images and assigned softkeys are for franking machines known (EP 571 061). An actuating device becomes under a softkey understood, to which a function can be variably assigned. The Actuating means is, for example, a key which is a display field assigned which shows the assigned function. In contrast a hardkey is a key with a dedicated function.

US Pat. No. 5,437,010 proposes a fixed division of the display into fields, with the fields being assigned softkeys which trigger the screen change. A control system provides character strings for each display field from an image memory. The controller communicates with peripheral devices, the status of which is continuously polled, and waits for one of the softkeys to be pressed to select a screen.
In this known user interface, it is disadvantageous that the fixed assignment of input keys to the fields of the different menu screens requires a large number of input keys, that the fixed field boundaries must be taken into account when defining the text and graphic elements, which limits their programming and that a considerable learning time is required to operate the user interface correctly.

In 1997 the applicant's Jetmail® became a franking machine presented, which with an inkjet printhead and with is equipped with a large display, the field division of Screens are variable (EP 718 801 B1). This is done using a menu button Main menu called, which is a listing of several basic menus represents to which one branches directly through a user input. Another hardkey is used to select the desired basic menu, the selection either being confirmed with an Enter key or can be changed using another key (hardkey). The Screens of the individual basic menus contain a division into Fields of variable size, with softkeys assigned to the fields, allowing the user to make another selection or parameter setting can make. The screens saved in the program memory are used for display. If the franking machine with a Variety of peripherals connected and / or with a variety of is equipped with additional functions, the use will quickly more complicated. The user interface can therefore not be arbitrary expand for a future franking system if the operating structure should not become confusing.

It was the task of solving the disadvantages of the prior art overcome and an arrangement for entering and displaying To create usage information on the display.

The invention takes into account the option that the franking machine Jetmail® is to be expanded into a system and that its User interface can be used worldwide without major changes should. It assumes that a user interface for the international Use is also flexible enough to be simple Way to enable all inputs and representations.

The object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1.

Figur 1,

Userinterface mit Anzeigeeinheit und Eingabeeinheit,

Figur 2,

Anzeigeeinheit mit Grundmenübild und die Eingabeeinheit der Benutzerschnittstelle für eine Transition zu weiteren Grundmenübildern,

Figur 3,

schematische Darstellung der HOME/BACK-Funktion bei einer Transition zwischen zwei Schirmbildern,

Figur 4,

schematische Darstellung des Bedienablaufes bei einer Transition von einem Grundmenübild zu einem Submenübild,

Figur 5,

Grundmenübild COST ACCOUNT mit Darstellung der Verzweigung zu weiteren Schirmbildern,

Figur 6a,

Submenübild ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2) mit Darstellung der Verzweigung zu einem weiteren Schirmbild,

Figur 6b,

Schirmbild MASTER ACCOUNTING ― WITH CCR (LEVEL3),

Figur 6c,

Submenübild ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2),

Figur 6d,

Listenbild ENDORSEMENT DATA (LEVEL2),

Figur 7a,

Grundmenübild SETUP mit Darstellung der Verzweigung zu einem weiteren Submenübild,

Figur 7b,

Submenübild mit Darstellung der Verzweigung zu weiteren Schirmbildern,

Figur 7c, 7d,

nach der Verzweigung folgende weitere Schirmbilder.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are shown in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1,

User interface with display unit and input unit,

Figure 2,

Display unit with basic menu picture and the input unit of the user interface for a transition to further basic menu pictures,

Figure 3,

schematic representation of the HOME / BACK function during a transition between two screens,

Figure 4,

schematic representation of the operating sequence for a transition from a basic menu screen to a submenu screen,

Figure 5,

Basic menu picture COST ACCOUNT with representation of the branching to further screen pictures,

Figure 6a,

Submenu picture ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2) showing the branching to another screen picture,

Figure 6b,

Screen MASTER ACCOUNTING - WITH CCR (LEVEL3),

Figure 6c,

Submenu picture ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2),

Figure 6d,

List picture ENDORSEMENT DATA (LEVEL2),

Figure 7a,

Basic menu screen SETUP with representation of the branch to another submenu screen,

Figure 7b,

Submenu picture showing the branching to other screens,

7c, 7d,

after the branching, the following further screens.

FIG. 1 shows an internationally usable user interface IUI with a Display unit O and with an input unit I. The display unit O is a large display. The input unit I is, for example Keyboard. It has a number of input fields I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4 and is preferably arranged below the display. A well-known - in the Figures not shown - control has at least one Microprocessor and a program memory with a program for the Generation of screens on. The microprocessor has ports for Connection of the input unit I. Between the microprocessor and the input unit I or display unit O each have an interface. A comparable control is already in EP 718 801 B1, Fig. 13 has been shown. The microprocessor generates after switching on however, a basic menu image franking as the first screen image 10.

There can be three (superimposed) display fields in each screen are shown, the limits of which are variable. The first (upper) display field 7 is for warnings, operating instructions and prompts provided or contains at least one status line with the display of Entry in an edit field. The latter offers the possibility e.g. values Enter up to 10 characters. A second (middle) display field is for Input options and setting parameter information provided. A third lower) display field serves as a function designation field for a number on the underlying softkeys. When screen 10 are individual drawing files 1 to 5 of the second and third display fields with respect their functions combined. The drawing 6 is for that Carrier logo or the one that identifies each mail carrier Postage stamp image provided. The menu structures are not rigid Stencils coupled. In addition to the three-field division into screens Both slide pictures and list pictures can be displayed.

The input unit has four input fields, which in connection with the screen images shown an uncomplicated entry by the Allow users. The actuating means of the input fields are preferred Keys.

According to the invention, on the one hand basic menus are via basic menu keys (Hardkeys) of a first input field I-1 selected directly, whereby from Microprocessor generates a special screen for each basic menu is that O is displayed by the display unit. With a home button 8 the entry into the basic menu franking and the display of the Basic menu image 10 triggered on the display O. The user can use these basic menu buttons from any position in the menu tree Change to another menu path. These other entry points apply to cost center management (ACCT), for the meter functions (SETUP), for the postage calculation for the remote value specification (TELESET and other functions. The hardkeys are labeled so that the operating operation is immediately understandable for the operator.

Example:

Menu key Function transition to menu ACCT Cost center management (menu screen 20) SCALE Postage calculation (menu image 30) SET UP Setup (menu image 40) MEMORY Programming (menu picture 50) TELESET Remote value specification for reloading (menu image 60)

On the basis of the basic menu image 10 franking, which approximately reflects a franking image to be printed, on the other hand, inputs can be made in a known manner by means of softkeys of a second input field I-2 in order to enter the franking image or at least one of the parameters displayed such as postage value, date, election prints, advertising slogan or change the cost center number. After entering at least one digit, the microprocessor evaluates and processes a softkey actuation as the completion of the entry. The display then shows a revised basic menu picture with regard to the input made. In addition, the microprocessor evaluates a softkey actuation that was carried out without entering a number. Corresponding screens are generated that display at least one piece of information for future entry. softkey Function in the franking basic menu S1 Cost center entry S2 Advertising cliché settings S3 Election pressure input for shipping types / forms S4 Date entry S5 Postage value entry

The function of the softkeys depends on how they work Menu or list images.

According to the invention, display screens can also be displayed in generated screen images Menus or list images via control elements of a third input field Alternatively selectable I-3. It is contemplated that the controls Are hardkeys and that the microprocessor is programmed restore a screen image by pressing a back button 9, which was previously set before. For example so the user from a submenu level to that in the hierarchy Jump back to the higher basic menu level. Operates the user but on the same menu level a basic menu key accidentally, so can use the back function to undo this entry and the previous one Menu image are displayed again. This back function can be due to a history mechanism, for example, over two or Carry out more screens in between.

According to the invention, two further hard keys 11, 12 (↑ and ↓ -Page buttons) of the third input field I-3 screens selected generated by the microprocessor when the hardkeys (11 or 12) are pressed become. The microprocessor is programmed, the basic menu picture 10 Generate and display after activation when activated a softkey S1-S3, which is assigned to drawing file 1 to 3 Submenu 70, 80, 90 enter and an assigned first screen to generate with a number of list elements. In the submenu 70 a list of the cost centers already set up is displayed under which the franking accounting data is stored can. In the submenus 80 and 90 for advertising slogans Election print input at least the associated names and a assigned characters for direct selection of a list element. The selection of the other screens is done by a so-called page by page. There will be a number on each page further selection elements shown in list form, which individually are selectable. While the selection elements in EP 718 801 B1 were only selected by means of scrolling, can be used in the invention User interface the selection elements shown in pages in lists can be selected directly. By entering a character (Number or letter) that corresponds to the selection element, the franking machine is set according to the selection. The Selection elements can be indicated by a display text, by a name, by a sign and / or by a so-called icon in the respective Screen image are shown. The display of further selection elements is activated when a page key is pressed by paging guaranteed. Each indicator - representing the selection element either a character (number) or a softkey is assigned. With the latter Variant is selected by pressing the correspondingly assigned Softkeys. For example, the advertising clichés through icons are symbolized. Stylistically, these are compressed Images / logos. By entering at least one associated Number 0 to 9 using the number keys of a fourth input field I-4 the desired advertising cliché. Even when displaying with Icons of an advertising cliché, especially if not all icons The user is now shown on a screen the page keys of the third input field I-3 enabled themselves an overview of all available advertising slogan icons procured, for example, to compare them with each other. In a manner known per se, when editing functions via hardkeys of the fourth input field I-4 inputs. With the editing functions are different input sequences in connection with possible with the softkeys of the second input field I-2. So it can Press a softkey before or after entering a number. The control of the user interface can screen images with different Generate font sizes. For example, the one entered Postage shown in a large font in drawing 4 (Fig. 2).

In FIG. 2, the display unit O has a basic menu image 10 for the country USA and the input unit I of the user interface for one Transition to further basic menu pictures shown. With the READ button REGISTER can call up a basic menu screen 100 for billing and the amount of credit consumed by franking is checked become. With the LABEL key you can print franking strips started if the number of stripes had previously been entered using the numeric keys was entered. The franking is done with the SEAL ONLY key switched off and the function of closing letters switched on, whereby a corresponding information is output via the display unit O. Multiple settings can be programmed using one MEMORY button possible. With the same MEMORY button, both the Key programming triggered as well as completed. Also the Multiple programmed settings can thus be made with one button respectively. Except for an advertising slogan or election pressure setting, it is possible to put graphics or text on one or more before setting To display screens. With 11 and 12 the hardkeys ↑ and ↓ are the third input field I-3 with which such screens by Scroll can be selected.

• BACK-Taste, um zum Grundmenübild 10 zurückzukehren,
• HOME-Taste, um zum Grundmenübild 20 zurückzukehren,
• SETUP-Taste, um zum Grundmenübild 40 zu gelangen.

The schematic representation of the HOME / BACK function during a transition between screens is explained with reference to FIG. 3. The basic menu screen 10 is displayed after switching on. The main menu screen 20 is called up with the ACCT key. Softkey S2 takes the user to submenu screen 22. Starting from the latter, three input options are shown:

• BACK button to return to the basic menu screen 10,
• HOME key to return to the basic menu screen 20,
• SETUP key to go to the basic menu screen 40.

With the home button 8, the basic menu image 10 for franking restored. With the other basic menu buttons, the others Basic menu pictures set. Every transition is made by the microprocessor a - not shown - volatile memory historically stored.

With the back button, a screen (screen or sub-screen) restored, the latter previously set before was. To do this, the microprocessor accesses the - not shown - volatile memory too. For example, the SETUP button was accidentally activated, the basic menu screen 40 appears.

Advantageously, the BACK key also allows a return across the hierarchical menu structure. Thus, in FIG. 3 shown - way back to the submenu image 22. By press the BACK button 9 again from there to Basic menu screen 20 can be returned. It would be especially strong branched tree structures to be elaborate on the first path taken (ACCT → Screen20 → S2) to the previous one To reach submenu image 22. By pressing the home button it is alternatively it is possible to display the franking basic menu screen in order to Effects of settings made under one of the screens to check. By a subsequent actuation - not shown the back button can jump back to the previous screen to correct the setting if necessary.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the operating sequence in a transition from a main menu screen to a sub menu screen. The is the example of menu screen 20 for cost center management COST ACCOUNT explained in more detail.

FIG. 5 shows the screen image 20 for the basic menu image COST ACCOUNT showing the branching to other screens 22, 23 and 25. Such cost center management is for one departmental billing required. Reading from under one The data saved in the cost center is entered after entering the number using the Input field I-4 and pressing the softkey S1 possible if previously a chip card in a chip card reading unit of the franking machine was inserted and this chip card the user for this reading entitled. After pressing the S4 softkey, printing is started a cost center report triggered. The representation in the display unit O corresponds to the printed image. By pressing the softkey S2 from the microprocessor the submenu image shown in FIG. 6a ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2) called.

The ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2) submenu screen enables data from the Change, enter or edit cost center differently. The - shown in Figure 6a - submenu image allowed for serial Press numeric keys of the fourth input field I-4 and the Softkey S1 of the second input field I-2 creates a new one Cost center, the number of the entry by the number keys corresponds. You can assign a cost center with the S3 softkey an advertising cliché. With the S4 softkey, a Allocation of a cost center to an election print can be saved. The - shown in Figure 6a - allows submenu Press the S5 softkey to branch to another Screen 225 to trigger a menu change, the previous one set cost center number is also adopted. The menu change will only be released if an access authorization by a master card inserted in the chip card reader of the franking machine the user is identified as authorized.

The further screen image 225 shown in FIG. 6b shows a menu MASTER ACCOUNTING - WITH CCR (LEVEL3), in which the access rights can be set to another chip card and the assignment of their chip card number to a cost center number can be established.
A more detailed explanation of this function can be found in the German OS 197 57 648, which bears the title: Franking machine with a chip card read / write unit.

The screen image 20 shown in FIG Pressing the softkey S2 can be branched into another submenu, which is shown in Figure 6c. The submenu screen ACCT SETUP (LEVEL2) allows cost centers to be reset, deleted and closed another list picture MAIL CLASS.

FIG. 6d shows a list picture ENDORSEMENT DATA (LEVEL2), in which all franked mail items are output in a list, whereby the list is sorted by election prints.

FIG. 7a shows a basic menu picture SETUP 40 with representation of the Branch to a further submenu picture 42 if the softkey S2 is operated. FIG. 7b shows this further submenu image 42 with a Representation of the branches to further screens424 or 425, when the S4 or S5 softkeys are pressed. These others Screens 424 and 425 are shown in FIGS. 7c and 7d.

The screen image 424 is used to adjust the contrast of the display unit O, which is preferably backlit. Is used for example a backlit LCD display LMCJ6S002ADP from the company NANYA or a CCFL display. Now can about Softkeys S2 less (-) or via S4 more (+) contrast set and at Pressing the S3 softkey can be saved.

The screen 425 is used to set the display of the postage value decimal places regarding a meter type, a time and the current date and a beeper. The latter is activated when one incorrect input or another error in the machine is present.

Extensions to the system with the franking machine can be done in the form of submenus can be easily integrated, as it is basically from every basic menu screen starting with a tree structure for international use User interface can be realized by using the microprocessor for the corresponding Branches is programmed. Such program branches can be preprogrammed and also stand for the specific ones Program routines are available which are only subsequently available for the concrete purpose. Since the beginning everyone Tree structure remains unchanged, it is ensured that the Franking machine can be operated easily even if the User interface subsequently experiences any extension.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, since obviously other other implementations of the invention are being developed or can be used, the same basic idea of Invention based on the appended claims become.

Claims (7)

Arrangement for entering and displaying user information a display, an input unit (I) with a number of Input fields (I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4) on the display (O) is arranged that the input fields and the display are connected to a microprocessor are to evaluate the actuation of controls and Generation of screen images is programmed, using the controls a first input field (I-1) selected basic menu from which a second softkey (S1-S5) starts Input field (I-2) a submenu or other selection elements are adjustable, a third input field (I-3) of the input unit (I) Contains controls via which can be shown on the display (O) Screen images are alternatively selectable and a fourth input field (I-4) is provided for entering a number. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the control elements of the first input field (I-1) are basic menu keys, the basic menu image (10) for franking on the display (O) being set with a home key (8). Arrangement according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the control elements of the third input field (I-3) are hardkeys, which include a back key (9), and that the microprocessor is programmed to restore a screen image which has been previously was set once. Arrangement according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that menus or list images (10, 20, .... 100, ...) are shown in the alternatively selectable screen images and that hardkeys (11 or 12) of the third input field ( I-3) are provided for selection of the screen images, the screen images being selected by a so-called page-by-page scrolling. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that screen images are generated by the microprocessor in connection with the actuation of the hardkeys (11 or 12) of the third input field (I-3), with a number of further selection elements in list form on each page which can be individually selected directly. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that each selection element in the list is represented by a name, a character or an icon and each selection element is assigned either a character or a softkey of the second input field (I-2) for the direct selection of the selection element . Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the assigned character is at least one number and that the fourth input field (I-4) is provided for the number input for the direct selection of a selection element.

Images